In this powerful Valentine’s-week episode of Eye Opener Society, Gary Dean sits down with long-time friend and returning guest Lizzie for one of their deepest and most vulnerable conversations yet — an honest exploration of modern relationships during a time of spiritual awakening and cultural change.
Opening with heartfelt shout-outs to collaborators and community members — Appalachian Rootworks' Carly and Carla, Sunset Child, Ann Lund of Haunted and Waiting, Hannah Rose of The Sound Within, Elaine from Arcane Oracle, and Emma Swales of The Bell Witch Podcast — the episode quickly moves into a raw, expansive discussion about love, commitment, and personal evolution.
Together, Gary and Lizzie unpack:
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Why so many relationships feel strained right now
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Monogamy vs. polyamory vs. open relationships
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The emotional and energetic dynamics of partnership
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Nervous system co-regulation and attachment patterns
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Radical honesty in any relationship structure
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Religious, cultural, and financial pressures in marriage
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The legal realities of marriage (insurance, logistics, security)
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Why love should never equal ownership
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The spiritual concept of past lives and recursive soul ties
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The importance of leaving immediately if a relationship becomes abusive
A recurring metaphor — “don’t pick the flower” — encourages listeners to let partners grow naturally instead of trying to control, fix, or permanently possess them.
Gary and Lizzie share deeply personal experiences from multiple marriages and long-term partnerships, discussing how learned patterns and social conditioning can keep people in relationships that no longer serve their growth.
This episode blends psychology, spirituality, and practical wisdom, including:
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Using therapy to process grief after a long partnership
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Building supportive platonic and soulful networks
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Conscious financial and household decisions
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Staying connected through tools like the Marco Polo app
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Questioning the internal stories we tell about love
While the conversation challenges cultural assumptions about “forever,” it also celebrates healthy relationships built on admiration, mutual respect, freedom, and authenticity.
This is not an anti-love episode. It’s an evolution-of-love episode.
Whether you are married, spiritually committed, exploring non-traditional relationship models, healing from heartbreak, or choosing to be single and whole — this conversation offers clarity, caution, encouragement, and empowerment.
🌍 Perfect for international listeners navigating modern dating, marriage, conscious partnerships, and spiritual awakening in relationships.
New episodes every Monday with Gary & Lizzie. Wednesday Night Guided Meditations with Gary Dean.
If you’re questioning love, redefining commitment, or simply seeking honest conversation about relationships in today’s world — this episode is for you.
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